Why do things have to die? What a great question that has been asked by many of our Wonder Friends. In fact, it's a question that every human being has surely thought about at one time or another.

At some point in time, every single person comes face-to-face with the reality of his or her mortality. All things that live will eventually die. It's a fact of life, but it can be hard to face at times. When we lose a beloved pet or a special loved one, the loss can be devastating and difficult to cope with.

So why can't we live forever? There are philosophical and religious aspects to that question that are way beyond the scope of this Wonder of the Day. We can, however, look at some of the practical, scientific aspects that will shed light on that question. We'll also look at how we might live longer in the future, even if we can't live forever.

Death is an essential part of the circle of life. Whether you're talking about a human being, an animal, or a plant, every living thing comes alive at some point. For humans and animals, the first step in the circle of life is birth.

From birth onward, the life cycle is focused on survival. If we survive, we grow and mature. At some point, our bodies begin to age more rapidly until our eventual death ends the life cycle.

To survive, most living things need food, water, sunlight, and oxygen. For human beings and animals, these things are usually supplied by our parents until we're able to provide them for ourselves. For human beings, survival is usually fairly easy, and we're able to concentrate on many other enjoyable aspects of life.

For some humans, most animals, and nearly every other form of life, survival is a day-to-day task that requires effort and energy. Because survival can be such a struggle, the life cycle of some organisms is very short. For example, the life cycle of a typical fruit fly can be as short as a week. On the other hand, bristlecone pine trees can live for thousands of years.

Today, adult human beings have a lifeexpectancy of 75-80 years. About 200 years ago, that lifeexpectancy was only about 35 years. So you can see that we've more than doubled our average lifeexpectancy over the past couple hundred years. Advances in medicine and technology have had a lot to do with that. Do you think the next hundred or so years could see another doubling of lifeexpectancy?

Some scientists think so. There are many scientists today who continue to work on solving the problems that cause human beings to age and die. As we get older, our bodies eventually wear out. Many times they succumb to various diseases that cause death. Some scientists identify these natural events as problems to attempt to solve scientifically.

For example, can scientists identify the reasons why we age? If so, can they invent ways to stop the aging process? Likewise, can scientists figure out how to eliminate all diseases and health problems that might lead to death?

If you look around at the products available in stores today, not to mention the advances in modern medicine you can see at most hospitals, it's clear that scientists are working hard on these issues. They're also experiencing many successes along the way. Even though true immortality may be a long ways off — and ultimately maybe only the stuff of fairy tales — scientific progress is definitely helping us to live longer lives.

As you ponder these life and death issues, it may help also to consider whether you would want to live forever if you could. What would the benefits be? What negative consequences could you imagine? What might Earth look like if no one ever died?

Wonder Words (14)

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Welcome to the jungle! We’re taking an up-close look at some interesting plants tomorrow in Wonderopolis!

Try It Out

We're sure that today's Wonder of the Day probably stirred up a few emotions and spurred your thinking. Find a few friends or family members to help you keep exploring today's topics through the following activities:

Whether it's the loss of a loved one or a beloved pet, we've all experienced the loss of something important to us. How we deal with those losses can shape our futures. Sit down and talk with a friend or family member about the losses you've experienced. How did you feel? How did you deal with things? What do you miss most about the persons or pets you've lost? What can you do to make your memories of them more permanent and special?

How does the cycle of life and death play out in nature? To explore this topic further with a friend or family member, revisit a favorite past Wonder of the Day: Who's at the Top of the Food Chain? Is it you? Are you glad you're not at the bottom? Is it a surprise that the cycle of life and death plays an integral part of the food chain and your very existence? Discuss with a friend or family member how different the food chain might look if death was not a part of the life cycle.

Wouldn't it be great if everyone could live forever? Or would it? What do you think? No one ever likes to lose a loved one. But what problems might exist for Earth and its population if people lived forever. As medicine and modern technology advance, people do seem to be living longer lives. What consequences have longer life spans caused? Discuss your thoughts with a friend or family member. What possible solutions do you see to those problems?

Elisa

Wonderopolis

Apr 1, 2019

That's a great question, Elisa. Some people are suicidal because of untreated chemical imbalances in their brain or a negative view of themselves. It's always important to let a trusted adult know if you or a friend is suicidal. They are able to contact the right people to get help.

Madison

Christina fulkerson ; )

Feb 23, 2018

i do to but i feel sad somethings die.......;-_( my p-p- pets d-d-d-ied bear.....and c-c-c- cargo.........they were 14 years old its heart breaking in wish it was me instead im ss-s-so sad...i hope all people live for a long time...

Wonderopolis

Jan 26, 2018

Great question! This Wonder is just an introduction to the topic, and we would recommend that you take a Wonder Journey and do some research to see what else you can find! Let us know what you discover!

Emmy

Wonderopolis

Zoe Emerson

Feb 12, 2017

I believe that people die because new people and things have to grow into our society. But sadly, nowadays, not everyone is blessed with the cause of death as natural causes. Now there are accidents, killings, and more sicknesses. It's sad when you really think about it.

Zero

Wonderopolis

Dec 19, 2016

Hey there, Zero! It might surprise you to learn that we are real people at Wonderopolis, not bots. We're sorry our responses are sometimes really similar. It can be hard to think of a truly unique thing to say to each of our Wonder Friends! But we'll try harder!!

Brojie

Madison

Jan 26, 2018

It's not that I don't feel bad for you, it's just that shouldn't really be mentioned because it might depress someone.
(not to be rude but if that was a prank, it was not funny because someone might actually be in that situation)

Jenna G.

Wonderopolis

Sep 18, 2014

What great questions, Jenna G.! We dig a little digging online and found that a Mexican woman named Leandra Becerra Lumbreras is thought to be the oldest person alive, having turned 127 this year! What types of changes in life and society do you think she has witnessed over those years?! :)

Wonderopolis

Sanela

Jun 23, 2014

I really don't want to die but we all have to do it at some point. Who knows what's on the other side of life. No one really I guess so that's all I have to say. I'm looking forward to seeing my great relatives.

Wonderopolis

Wonderopolis

Jun 23, 2014

SUPER question, Lexi. The life span of a fish depends on many factors. One factor on how long a fish lives is what kind of fish it is. We encourage you to explore more about fish on your own. Happy WONDERing! :)

Things have to die because it getting older when they go through life they learn things they have to pass it on because they are ganna die when you are young you body will function, if you were a animal you would die because you have a preditor you have an unusual size and you might have a short live or a long life. I think it has to do with size.

Wonderopolis

Jun 23, 2014

Wow, sian pi! You sure did a lot of thinking with today's Wonder! We think size does have something to do how long an animal survives, but that is just one factor. There are many others. Thanks for joining us in Wonderopolis today! :)

Amaria

Wonderopolis

Jun 23, 2014

Hello, Wonder Friend Amaria! That's a great question. We LOVE to WONDER in Wonderopolis! When you LOVE to Wonder as much as we do, you like to use the word as often as you can. You might want to try it! Using WONDER-filled words can be lots of FUN! :)

Lawrence

Jun 23, 2014

I wish I couldn't die because I can be here forever in 5000, I can be 2000 years old. I can run president and have what ever I want because I can work forever so I be rich and have lots of money and buy a mansion and a big R.V. I will be famous, too.

Mrsick

Wonderopolis

Alison Nixon

Jun 23, 2014

What an interesting wonder! I don't think I'd want to live forever. It sounds like a good thing but over time your body just wears out and if you lived forever you'd have to keep getting worn out parts replaced like knees and hips... this would be costly and hard for doctors to keep up with. Plus there's the thought of what our planet would look like if everyone lived forever.. Our resources would certainly be used quicker, there would be much more trash and waste, not to mention the problem of where would people live, the added pollution etc.
The circle of life is certainly a necessary part of Earth's survival. Thanks for giving us much to discuss today!

Calub

Wonderopolis

Jun 23, 2014

We're so glad you shared your connection to today's Wonder with us, Calub. We love that movie and song here in Wonderopolis! If you'd like to do some more WONDERing about lions, check out Wonder #807: How Big Do Cats Get? Happy WONDERing! :)

Wonderopolis

Wonderopolis

May 23, 2014

There are a lot of things to WONDER about why things die, Anthony. Even though it can be hard to accept sometimes, we hope today's Wonder helped you understand some of the reasons why things can't live forever. Thanks for WONDERing with us!

Wonderopolis

Toria from Ms. sarkkinens clas...

Apr 24, 2014

We have to die to make new room for new people if we never died it would be crowded especially if you have a bunch of strangers just wander in your house like they own it. So, don't be bad and you'll go to heaven and not HELL!!!

Anna

Wonderopolis

Vivian from Ms. Thompson's Cla...

Apr 24, 2014

Things have to die because maybe they don't get water or sun, like plants. Maybe they need love and kindness. Trees need to die because we need paper and pencils for school. Pigs need to die for food for us to live. Cows need to die for meat. All of these things need to die for a reason. And if we die one day maybe we will go to heaven.

Wonderopolis

Apr 24, 2014

Excellent thoughts, Elizabeth! We love that you brought up the fact that an overpopulated Earth would lead to more scarce resources, like housing! There may not be enough for everyone. We also like your Wonder Prediction for tomorrow! Be sure to check back with us tomorrow to find out if you were correct! :-)

Wonderopolis

Toria from Ms. sarkkinens clas...

Apr 25, 2014

I think all good things have to come to an end even people because if none of us died the world would be crowded and random people would just come in your house like they own it and just came to use the bathroom and we probably would run out of food supply and die anyway ..... make sure you go to heaven ... good luck bye have a nice day

Tucker

Wonderopolis

christopher mrsliles class

Apr 24, 2014

Thought: So some things have to die a few days after they are born? That is wrong.
Connection: So if a dog dies right after birth will the mother dog be sad?
WWOTD: The devastating hurricane trashed my yard.
Prediction: Will it drain my energy?

Wonderopolis

Apr 24, 2014

Excellent thoughts and connections to today's Wonder, Christopher! We think that the mother dog would be sad if the puppy died right after birth. Dogs tend to live a lot longer than that. You may be interested in checking out this Wonder about dog years.
Wonder #646: How Long Is a Dog Year?
Enjoy, Wonder Friend! :-)

thetennisplaya

Wonderopolis

Apr 24, 2014

Hello, Thetennisplaya! You are absolutely right! The Earth would be overpopulated if no one died. We really like your Wonder Prediction for tomorrow! Be sure to check back with us to find out if you were correct! Keep WONDERing, Wonder Friend! :-)

jacob-mrs.saul's class

jorge

Dec 11, 2014

well if you think about every thing. the idea is that in around 50 years we could be by simply replacing parts that stop working but in the end your body will be new. but the thing is what about the brain which to me may be the only thing we can't replace... not yet any way. but in no time people will be as good as new in a way but the real question is will we be the same?